Hong Kong may be a familiar city to many people, even to those who have not been there­a former British colony, a city where the lights never go out, a shopping paradise packed with things to see, eat, and buy. Such modifiers explain Hong Kong for sure, yet they seem insufficient to give an exact insight.
While filling out the departure card before leaving for Hong Kong, one might hesitate to write the name of the arriving city and country. Is it just Hong Kong or is it Hong Kong, China, though it sounds weird?
Since Hong Kong was handed over to China in 1997, the small area is no longer a British colony. It is now the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People? Republic of China (HKSAR). Under the current ?ne country, two system policy, Hong Kong will not be a political part of China for 50 years, until 2047. Hong Kong is not governed by the centralized Chinese government, but has its own legislative authorities and more freedom than the mainland.
Hong Kong has a geographic location favorable for trade and­with its growing big brother, China right next to it­Hong Kong is becoming the biggest and most important port in the world. Though the city does not have any industry on its land, it is the center of finance, investment and tourism. Thousands of tourists pour into Hong Kong to have a glimpse at the city? night view, skyscrapers, the harbour that divides the Kowloon area and the island, and to shop. The Central and Causeway Bay areas located in the Hong Kong Island is more like downtown New York­full of tall buildings and malls. Regular summer and winter sales of this shopping arcade exceeds your imagination. You can expect up to 80 percent discounts, and even top brands such as Burberry and Bally have up to 50 percent. As you pass by department stores, you may find yourself holding bags full of newly bought items, and for the first time you might be pleased with the long receipts.
Hong Kong is more than just about shopping. It has diversity and excitement and provides its visitors withpleasure. Hong Kong develops tourist sites as often as Samsung releases new mobile phones. The Avenue of Stars, which opened in 2004, is the first spot in Asia to honor celebrities on screen. Using lights and lasers, the Symphony of Lights make a tune from the changing colors of the buildings located on the coast of the Island. The Aqua Fantasia Multimedia Spectacular shows a harmony of water, music and technology in front of the Clock Tower in Tsim Sha Tsui.
The small and diverse area, located in the very tip of mainland China, also has seven million people who call themselves ?ongkongnese rather than Chinese. One interesting aspect of these people is revealed on Sunday afternoons. They are so ?ou-mun, meaning very bored, that they go out for an additional meal with Chinese tea. I bet only the McDonalds in Hong Kong serve afternoon tea sets on Sundays.
Their lives, however, are far from being hou-mun. While tourists spend away their money in Hong Kong, the Hongkongnese worry about the challenges of their country. Hong Kong has been going through tremendous adventures since its hand over. Worries remain about their ?ne country, two system policy and overlapping predictions about the outlook of Hong Kong 50 years later expand the uncertainty.
A crowded double-deck bus representing Hong Kong is hurrying its way forward. The destination and the journey ahead for this bus are yet vague. Defining the future of this city or country, whichever be more favorable, is complex and it serves as another interesting view point for tourists.
winstraight@ewha.ac.k
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